Switch for automobile stop lights



May 3,

B. V. OGDEN SWITCH FOR AUTOMOBILE STOP LIGHTS Fuga oct. i9, 192s Patented May 3, 1927.

BENJAMIN V. OGDEN, OF PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCH FOR AUTOMOBILE STOP LIGHTS,

.Application filed October 19, 1923. Serial No. 669,637.

My invention relates to a switch for an automobile stop" light. that is to say, to a` device i'or controllingr the electric circuit of that type otsignal light on motor vehicles which serves to indicate, to the drivers of vehicles in the rear. that the motor vehicle upon which the signal light is mounted is being checked in speed by the application ot the brakes thereof'.

The principal object ol in v invention to provide. an improved ioi'in ot switch for electric signal systems ot the type above mentioned which may be readily applied to a motor vehicle without requiring material change in the mechanism tlicrcot', which will be inexpensive in its construction. and which is characterized by the absence ot sliding.

contacts, etc., which are likely to get .out ot order and impaired in their eiliciency.I both mechanically and electrically` by reason ot the constant operation ot the saine. ,v A further object ot my invention is to provide an improved form of switch which will serve preliininarily to make and break the r 'circuit several times prior to the final closing ot' the circuit when the brakes are applied. whereby the attention of the drivers of other vehicles in the rear will be more positively attracted toy the operation o the signal by the preliminary flashing ot theV light prior to the final closing of the circuit. In my previous application for Letters Patent, tiled August 23, 1923, Serial No. ($58,854:, there is shown and described a switch for stop lights involving the same broad underlying principles contemplated by this present application. However. in the specific embodiment et the invention .which was shown in my said previous application, the switch was adapted to be directly associated with the brake pedal lever ot the motor vehicle, While the present application contemplates the provision ot a switch which is adapted to he mounted at any suitable position onthe motor vehicle' and is adapted to be actuated by means connecting the switch With any suitable moving part ot the brake mechanism, such, for example, as the brake tension rod usually constituting` a portion oit i0 the brake mechanism of the motor vehicle lVith the :toregoingin view, my present invention contemplates the provision of a member made of insulating material having an internal passageway through which a i5 globule of mercury is adapted to pass from one end lo the other as the brake mechanism is actuated. there being provided in said passageway a plurality of pairs of contactmembers arranged at suitable places to establish an electrical connection through the globule o l mercury as the saine is caused to pass along said passageway when the brake mechanism is actuated, and said passageway being pre tcrablnv so shaped as to prevent a, too rapid passage of -the mercury therethrough. My present invention also contemplates certain novel and improved details of construction. as will later appear.

The nature and characteristic features of my invention 'will be more readily understood from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying draw ings toi-ming part hereof, in which:

figurel is an elevational view, partly in section. illustrating certain fragmentary portions ota motor vehicle. with a device enibodying the main features ol my presentinvention shown in connection therewith;

Fig. 2 is a'vertical, central, longitudinal section, enlarged, of the device, illustrating the internal construction of the same;

Fig. 3 is a horizontal plan thereof, but with the cover plate removed, the attachment bracket being shown in horizontal section;

Fig. tis a transverse section. taken approximately on the line 1 -i of Fig. 2;

F ig. 5 is a transverse section, taken approximately on the line 5 5 of Fig. 2; and

Fig. 6 is a' transverse section, vtaken approximately on the line 6 6. ot Fig. 2.

Referring to thc drawings, in the particular embodiment ot my invention therein shown. lO is a block ot insulating material having an internal channel or passageway formed therein. The internal channel or passageway has relatively short, straight port-ions 11 and 12 at the respective ends thereof` and two intermediate straight portions 13 and 14e, respectively. 1 Between the straight portion 11 at the forward end and the intermediate straight portion 13, the channel or passageway has a sinuous portion 15. Likewise. between the` straight portion 13 and the straight portion 1st is another siniious portion 1G, and also between the straight portion 14 andthe st 1aight port-ion 12 at the rear endthere is another sinuous portion 1T. A globule ot ineciiry 18 is mounted in, and

is adapted to travel from end to end of, the

l Ofi the reception of bus` hars 21 and 22, respectively, preferably made of copper or other material of good electrical conductivity.

The bus bars 21 and 22 are provided with integral extensions 23 and 24, respectively, which extend over and downward along the side walls of the straight portion 13 of the channel or-passageway, as at 25 and 26 (see Fig. 5). The bus bars 21 and 22 are also provided with integral extensions 27 and 23, which also have portions 29 and 30, respectively, extending over and downward along the side walls of the straight portion 14 of the channel or passageway. It should be noted that the parts 25 and 26 are arranged contiguous to, but not touching each other, and likewise the portions 29 and 30 are similarly arranged.

At the rear end of the block of insulating material there are provided contact screws 31 and 32, the inner ends of which terminate within the straight portion 12 at the rear end of the passageway in the block 10, said inner ends of the screws 31 and 32 also being contiguous to but not touching each other. Extending portions 33 and 34, respectively, of the bus bars 21 and 22 are secured under the heads of the respective screws 31 and 32. At the forward end of the block there are provided stud screws 35 and 36, and extensions '37 and. 38 from the bus bars 21 and 22 are secured under nuts 39 and 40, respectively, which are mounted on the stud screws 35 and 36. Binding or connection nuts 41 and 42 are also provided on the stud screws 35 and 36, for connecting the line wires 43 and 44 of the stop light circuit.

secured by means of wood screws 48, or in` any other suitable manner, to theunder side of the floor structure 49 of the automobile body. A lever arm 50 is secured to the sup` porting shaft 45 in any suitable manner, and is preferably provided with a'plurality of apertures 51, variously spaced from the pivotal axis, and in any one of which one end of atension orconneeting rod 52 may be hooked7 thus to provide a simple form of adjustment of the movement. The other end of the connecting rod 52 is pivotally attached to a member 53, which is adapted to be clamped at a suitable location upon the brake tension rod 54 of the automobile.

The member 53 is so located that, in the normal position of the brake tension rod 54, when the foot brakes are released, the block 10 will be tilted with the forward end down, as illustrated in Fig. 1 ofthe draw ings. A coil spring- 57 may be mounted upon `the shaft 45, having one end engaging said shaft andthe other engaging a portion of one of the depending arms 46 of the suppbrting bracket, this lspring serving normally to maintain the block 1() inl the tilted position shown in Fig. 1, but permitting the same to be tilted against the tension thereof during the operation' of the device. in the manner as hereinafter explained.

A cover plate 55 is mounted upon the top of the block 10, and a layer of packing material 56 is interposed between the bottom surface of said cover plate 55 and the top of the block *10, thereby to prevent any portion of the globule of mercury 18 from escaping from the channel or passageway in the block 10.

' The operation of the device may now be explained. As before stated, the block 10 is normally in the position shown in Fig. 1 of .the drawings, the forward end bcing'tilted downward as there shown, whereby the globule' of mercury 18 will be positioned at the forward end of the internal passageway. lVhen, however, the brake tension rod is moved forward, as the brakes are applied, the motion thereof will be transmitted through the member 53 and connecting rod 52 to the lever 50, which is carried by the shaft 45. In this manner, the block 10 will be tilted,.so that the forward end thereof will be elevated, and the globule of mercury will thus be permitted to pass from the forward to the rear end of the internal passageway. In so doing, the globule yof mercury will successively pass through the sinuous portion 15 of the passageway, thence between the contiguous portions 25 and 26 of the extensions 23 and 24 of the'bus bars 21 and 22, thence through the sinuous portion 16 of thc passageway, thence between the contiguous portions 29 and 30 of the respective extensions 27 and 28 of the bus bars 20 and 21, thence through the sinuons passageway 17,

land finally stopping between the contiguous ends of the screws 31 and 32, which, as before stated, are respectively in electrical connection with the bus bars 21 and 22, by means of the extensions 33 and 34 of said bus bars. As the globule of mercury passes between the respective pairs of contact members which arearranged in the straight portions of the passageway, an electric circuit will be established thereby, through the line wires 43 and 44 which are in electrical coni- Inunication with the bus bars 21 and 22 b v means of the extensions 37 and 38 thereof, and the stop or signal light will be momentarily tiashed as the globule of mercury passes each of said pairs of contact members. lVhen the globule of mercury finally c'omesto rest at the rear end of the passageway, a circuit will be established through the screws 3l and 3Q, as long as the block l0 is maintained in the position with the front end elevatechthat is to say, as long as the hralies are kept applied. It Will he noted (hat hy the provision ot' the sinuous portions l5, loandl? of the passageway, substantial time periods will occur between the successive liashings of the lamp prior to the final lighting of the same when the `globule ot mercury comes to rest at the rear end ot the passageway. and, this without unduly increasing;A the length or the structure. which would render the same impractical for its intended purpose.

lt will he seen that there is thus provided a simple and eflicient device ot improved form lor estahlishiug an electrical connection for the purpose of ligrlltiugA a stop i or signal lamp whenever the brakes are actuated. which will he certain and positive in its action. which will not. be likely to hecomc disarraneed or out of order through continued use, and in which provision is made for preliminary flashing,r ol the vlight prior to the inal lightinpr oi the same` whereby the drirers ot vehicles in the rear will have thei attention more positively attracted to the operation ot the signal.

l'larinp' thus described Athe nature and characteristic features of my invention5 what li claim as new and desire to secure hy Letters Patent is:

L A switch for automobile stop lights and the like comprising1l a member made ot insulating material having' an internal passageway` a pair of hus hars internally mounted in said member and adapted to he electrically connected with a signal lamp circuit, a plurality of pairs of separated contact devices arranged at intervals,

in said passageway and electrically connected with said hns bars, a globule of mercury adapted to pass through said-passageway to close said circuit as the same contacts with, respective pairs of iontact devices. said passageway hempr so shaped as to retard the passage ot said globule of mercuryt1 and means for mechanically associating the device with the bralie mechanism of the automobile whereby the device will be tilted to thereby cause said globule of mercury to travel through said passagewa\v when the hraiie mechanism is operated. :l il switch for automobile slope7 lights and the like comprisingr a member made ol' insulating' material haringan internal passageway, a pair of has hars vinternally mounted in said member and adapted to he electrically connected with a signal lamp circuit. a plurality of pairs of separated contact devices arranged at intervals in saidl passageway and electrically connected with said hns bars. a globule of mercury adapted to pass through said passageway to close said circuit as the same contacts with respective pairs of contactdevices; said passageway having sinuousvportions adapted to retard the passage of said globule oi mercury. and means for mechanically associatingr the device with the lorake mechanism ot the automobile whereby the device will be tilted to thereby canse said globule ot' mercury vto travel through said passageway when the brake mechanism is operated. i

Il. il switch it'or automobile stop lights and the like comprising* a member made of insulatingmaterial havingr an internal passageway., a pair ot' huslrars internally mounted in Asaid nunnher and adapted to he electrically connected with a signal lamp circuit. a Vpair ot' contact members extendingl into lhepasageway at one end thereoic and electrically connected with said lons hars, a plurality ol' pairs of separated contact devices arranged at intervals in said passage ay. said contact members comprisingr extensions ol" said has hars., a` globuleA ot mercury adapted to pass tin-ouch said passageway to close said circuit as the same contacts with respective pairs oif contact derices, said passageway having sinuous portions adapted to retard the passage ot said globule ot mercury., and means lor mechanically ass-.'ociatingr vthe derice with the brake mechanism of the automobile wherehy the device will he tilted to thereby cause said globule ol mercury to travel through said passageway when the brake mechanism is operated.

l. "i switch l'or automobile stopf77 lights and the like comprisingr a member made' of insulatingmaterial haring an internal passageway, a pair of lons yhars mounted in channels in said member and adapted to be electrically connected with a signal lamp circuit,'a plurality ot pairs ot separated contacts devices arranged aointerrals in said passagewaytl said Contact members comprising' integral extensions ot said hns laars, a globule oi mercury adapted to pass through said passageway to close said circuit as the same contacts with respective pairs oit contact devices, and means lor mechanically7 associating fthe dey-ice with theI brake mechanism ot the automobile whereby the device will he tilted to thereby cause said globule ol mercury to travel through said passageway when the brake mechanism is operated.

5. il switch :tor automobile stop lights and the like comprising a member made oli insulating material haring an internal passag'cway.E a pair of tous hars mounted in channels in said meinher and adapted to he electrically connected with a signal lamp circuit. a plurality or" pairs of separated contactd/evicesarranged at interi/*als in said passageway, said Contact members comprising integral extensions of said has hars, a

lll@

globule ot' mercury adapted tO'pass through said passageway1 to close said circuit as the same contacts with respective pairs of contact devices, said passageway belng so shaped as to retard the passage of said globule of mercury, and means for mechanically associating the device withrthe brake mechanism of the automobile whereby'the device will be tilted to thereby cause said globulebf mercury to travel through said passageway when the brake mechanism is operated,

6. A switch for automobile stop lights and the like comprising a member made of insulating material having an internal passageway, a pair of bus bars mounted 4in channelsin said member and adapted to be electrically connected with a signal lamp circuit, a plurality of pairs of separated contact Vdevicesy arranged atintervals in said passageway, said contact members comprising integral extensions of said bus.

bars, a globule of mercury adapted to pass through said passageway to closel said circuit as the same contacts with respective pairs of. contact devices, said passageway having sinuous portions adapted to retard the passage of said globule 'of mercury, and means tor mechanically associating the device with the brake mechanism of the automobile whereby the device will be tilted to thereby cause said globule of mercury to travel through said passageway when the brake mechanism is operated.

7. A switch for automobile stop lights and the like comprising a member made of insulating material having an internal pasi tactrdevices arranged at intervals in said' passageway, said contact members compris'- ing integral extensions of said bus hars, a globule of mercury adapted to pass through said passageway to close said circuit as the same contacts with respective pairs ot' contact devices, said passageway having sinuous portions adapted to retard the passage ot' said globule of mercury, and means for mechanically associating the device With the brake mechanism of the automobile whereby the device will be tilted to thereby cause said globule of mercury to travelv through said passageway when the brake mechanism is operated. Y

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto signed my name.

BENJAMIN V. OGDEN. 

